Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 2 win over Panthers

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the win over the Panthers.

In Week 2, the Chargers defeated the Panthers, 26-3.

En route to victory, there were some standout performers and others who did not contribute as much.

That said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

OT Joe Alt — 87.2

OL Zion Johnson — 85.8

OT Rashawn Slater — 82.7

OL Trey Pipkins — 79.3

WR Quentin Johnston — 74.9

Top 5 Defense

S Elijah Molden — 92.5

LB Daiyan Henley — 90.5

CB Kristian Fulton — 87.9

DL Scott Matlock — 85.9

DL Teair Tart — 82.4

Bottom 5 Offense

TE Hayden Hurst — 33.2

TE Eric Tomlinson — 46.7

WR Simi Fehoko — 47.8

RB Gus Edwards — 54.4

QB Justin Herbert — 54.8

Bottom 5 Defense

DL Morgan Fox — 39.8

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu — 46.8

EDGE Bud Dupree — 58.5

S Derwin James — 59.4

DL Otito Ogbonnia — 59.5

Justin Herbert undergoes X-rays after suffering injury in win over Panthers

Justin Herbert said he got “rolled up.”

Quarterback Justin Herbert sustained a lower-body injury in the third quarter of the Chargers’ win over the Panthers.

Herbert took a big hit that caused a fumble. He was slow to get up and limped off the field. Trainers worked on his right foot/shin before he was taken into the medical tent. Herbert managed to finish the game.

According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim, Herbert said he got “rolled up” and went for X-rays after the game. Rhim added that Herbert was limping and said he’ll know more in the next couple of days.

Herbert threw for 130 yards, his lowest total in any full game in his career. He did throw two touchdown passes and an uncharacteristic interception to Jaycee Horn.

The Chargers will stay in Charlotte, NC, before traveling to face the Steelers next Sunday.

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Panthers

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 26-3 win over the Panthers.

The Chargers improved to 2-0 after defeating the Panthers, 26-3.

Here’s our recap of the Bolts’ victory in Week 2.

It was over when…

The Chargers scored a touchdown on their opening drive. They held the lead from that point on.

Highlight of the game

Quentin Johnston’s first of two touchdowns. Johnston did an excellent job working back to the football with Jaycee Horn in coverage.

https://twitter.com/chargers/status/1835367117459243489?s=46

Notable number

The Chargers start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2012.

3 stars of the game

  1. RB J.K. Dobbins: Dobbins rushed for over 100 yards and posted a touchdown for the second consecutive week.
  2. WR Quentin Johnston: The Chargers didn’t prioritize the pass, but Johnston still took advantage of his opportunities. He had five catches for 51 yards and a pair of scores on six targets.
  3. CB Elijah Molden: Molden started at safety while Alohi Gilman was sidelined with an injury. He picked off Bryce Young in the second quarter and had seven tackles.

Quick hits

  • Bully ball is alive and well in Los Angeles. The Chargers finished the game with 219 yards rushing, which was engineered by Dobbins, who was the most efficient runner again. Gus Edwards had one more carry than Dobbins (18), but he only managed 3.3 yards per carry.
  • Justin Herbert finished the game 14 of 20 passing for 130 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Herbert’s 130 yards passing were his fewest ever in a victory. He did use his legs, running for a 13-yard pickup. It’s clear that the Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman offense has had an impact on Herbert’s passing output.
  • Even though the passing offense was nearly nonexistent, Johnston still had himself a great game. He had a 29-yard touchdown and found himself wide open in the end zone for his second score of the day.
  • Los Angeles was 9-of-14 on third down and had 21 first downs.
  • The Chargers continued to dominate defensively. The Panthers only totaled 159 yards of offense (84 yards passing), converted just once out of 12 attempts on third down. Los Angeles had two sacks and a takeaway.

What’s next?

The Chargers are on the road again to take on the Steelers (1-0) next Sunday, Sept. 22, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

How to watch, listen, stream, wager Chargers vs. Panthers

To get you prepared for Week 2, here is everything you need to know about the matchup between the Chargers and Panthers.

The Los Angeles Chargers look to improve to 2-0 when they meet the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 2 matchup:

Game Information

Who: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers

When: Sunday, Sept. 15 at 10:00 a.m. PT

Where: Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC


Television

Those in the yellow area will get the game on CBS.

Tom McCarthy and Jay Feely will have the call.


Radio

ALT 98.7 FM

KBUA 105.5 / KBUE 94.3 FM


Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)


Betting

Lines are from BetMGM Sportsbook

  • Moneyline (ML): Chargers -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Panthers +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Chargers -5.5 (-110) | Panthers +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 39 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Here are our best bets.


Social Media

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Follow Gavino on Twitter (@GavinoBorquez)

Follow Alex on Twitter (@alexkatson)

Staff predictions for Chargers vs. Panthers in Week 2

Find out who the Chargers Wire staff is picking between Los Angeles and Carolina.

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.

Who is going to come out victorious?

Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:

Gavino:

The Panthers are the worst team in the NFL and it was on display last Sunday in their loss to the Saints. They lacked offensive production and their defense was a dud. I expect Los Angeles to have success running the ball against Carolina, who surrendered 180 yards on the ground. Additionally, I am forecasting a couple of turnovers for L.A.

Chargers 24, Panthers 10

Alex K:

Los Angeles should be able to move the ball against a Panthers squad that struggled to stop the Saints’ offense last week. Expect a more consistent rushing attack with JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards against a Carolina defense missing defensive tackle Derrick Brown. Defensively, the Chargers’ aggressiveness will likely be enough to confuse Panthers quarterback Bryce Young into a turnover or two, setting up for a big Chargers win.

Chargers 31, Panthers 10

Spencer:

The Chargers shouldn’t have much problem handling business in this one. They should be able to control the line of scrimmage, particularly with Panthers star Derrick Brown out. Look for Justin Herbert to make more big-time throws this week, leading the Chargers to a 2-0 start to the season.

Chargers 24, Panthers 13

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Panthers?

Find out who experts are picking between the Chargers and Panthers.

The Los Angeles Chargers are 5.5-point favorites over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 of the 2024 regular season. The over/under is 39 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 39 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 21-10 win for the Bolts, with a combined total of 31 points. So, if I were putting money based on my prediction, I’d bet the under.

As for game picks, analysts are leaning toward the Chargers improving to 2-0.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Chargers
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Chargers
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chargers
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Chargers
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chargers
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Chargers
NFL.com Staff Chargers (5-0)
Bleacher Report Chargers

Sunday’s game will begin at 10:00 a.m. PT and will be televised on CBS.

Alohi Gilman doubtful for Chargers’ Week 2 matchup with Panthers

The Chargers are likely going to be without one of their starting safeties this Sunday.

Chargers safety Alohi Gilman is doubtful for Los Angeles’ Week 2 matchup with the Panthers.

Gilman did not practice the entire week while dealing with a knee injury.

With Gilman out, Elijah Molden is likely to start alongside Derwin James.

“I think so,” Jim Harbaugh said when asked if Molden is ready to step up this weekend.

Harbaugh said that “it’s possible” Tony Jefferson could be elevated to the active roster from the practice squad.

Also listed on the injury report are edge defender Joey Bosa (back), running back Hassan Haskins (toe), wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) and Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula). They are all questionable.

Bosa worked off to the side on Friday.

A knee injury is what limited Palmer in 2023.

Taylor participated in individual drills for the first time this week when practice was open to the media.

Will the Chargers-Panthers matchup be on in your area?

Find out if you will get the matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers on national television.

The Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) are set to get Week 2 underway against the Carolina Panthers (0-1).

Those in the yellow area on the TV map will get the game on CBS, courtesy of 506 Sports.

If you’re in the red area, you will get the matchup between the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans.

For those in the blue area, will be the San Francisco 49ers against the Minnesota Vikings.

If you’re in the green area, you will see the Baltimore Ravens take on the Las Vegas Raiders.

In the orange area will be the Cleveland Browns against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Tom McCarthy and Jay Feely will have the call.

Los Angeles is currently 5.5-point favorites. Sunday’s matchup will begin at 10 a.m. PT.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 2 opponent: Panthers

Here are some important things to know about the Panthers ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are on the road to face the Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 2 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Offseason rebuild

After finishing 2-15 last season, a new coaching staff and front office members were brought in. Dave Canales is in his first season as head coach for the Panthers. Canales spent his first 13 seasons with the Seahawks (2010-22) in various offensive roles before serving as the offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers in 2023.

Bryce looking to bounce back

The Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Young’s rookie season wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as he completed just 315 of 527 pass attempts for 2,877 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He only surpassed 200 passing yards in just five games. In the season opener last Sunday against the Saints, Young did not look much improved as a passer, completing 13 of 30 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions. Even with an upgraded receiver room, with Diontae Johnson and first-round pick Xavier Legette, Young still struggled to connect with them, overthrowing them on a few throws.

Defense was dominated

The Panthers bolstered their defense in the spring, signing defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, linebacker Josey Jewell, edge defender Jadeveon Clowney, cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Jordan Fuller. Despite the additions, the product on the field was nothing to write home about. The Saints put up 47 points on the scoreboard. New Orleans scored on every one of its first nine possessions of the game. Carolina gave up 379 total yards, 180 of which came on the ground.

Star defender out for the season

The Panthers will be without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1. The anchor of the defensive front, Brown just signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension this offseason. Brown is coming off a career year in which he amassed 103 tackles and 15 for loss.

Look out for…

Offensive lineman Robert Hunt. Usually, a skill player would be slotted here, but I’m highlighting the 100-million-dollar man. Previously with the Dolphins, Hunt has proven himself as one of the best right guards in the NFL. It will be a fun matchup in the trenches between him and Poona Ford and Otito Ogbonnia, who are both coming off dominant performances.

Announcers set for Chargers vs. Panthers Week 2 game

Find out who will be calling the Week 2 game between the Chargers and Panthers.

The Chargers will travel to Charlotte, NC, to meet the Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

The Week 2 game will be televised on CBS and Tom McCarthy and Jay Feely will have the call.

Los Angeles looks to improve to 2-0 after defeating the Raiders in a game in which the defense was stout throughout all four quarters. Their rushing offense, led by J.K. Dobbins, picked up the slack in the second half to help pull away with the win.

Carolina, on the other hand, is seeking its first win after being dominated by the Saints in Week 1, 47-10. Bryce Young tossed a pair of interceptions and the defense allowed New Orleans to score on every one of its first nine possessions of the game.

The last time the two teams met was in 2020. The Panthers won, 21-16. Carolina leads the overall series, 6-1-0.